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How can I get what I need from my doctor?

222 Answers
Last Updated: 05/26/2022 at 8:27am
How can I get what I need from my doctor?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
July 15th, 2016 2:11pm
It depends on what you actually need. If you want some medication, maybe you wouldn't be able to get it because your doctor knows better than you what should you drink or no. If it's about psychotherapy, like you may want CBT or similar, you can recommend it to your doctor and tell him/her what you actually want. You can't get anything if you don't talk about what you want. So, just a conversation about it can change things. But this is anxiety Q&A so you're maybe asking this because you're scared and don't know how to tell them what you want. I can recommend writing it on paper and just giving your doctor that. It may be really, really hard, but if you don't try you logically won't get what you want. Fight for it. Fight for your health. You deserve it.
MarvelGalaxy28
October 18th, 2016 1:46pm
You can get what you need from your doctor by asking for help Tell him or her about your problem then the doctor will give what you need
WalrusWasPaul
March 31st, 2017 3:16am
The best way to get the most out of any doctor, you have to become your own advocate. Research your condition and treatment options. Talk to them openly and honestly and be yourself.
Mimi
March 15th, 2017 11:19pm
By being honest, open, straightforward with the doctor, remember, they are there to help you with it
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2016 7:54am
Tell your doctor exactly, specifically, which prescription or surgery you think you need, why you physically/mentally need it (ie: prescribed it in the past, knee aches constantly, read a lot of studies that show...), and why you feel/think you should be prescribed it (friends say it helps, I saw a commercial, I'm grasping at straws, I've tried everything else, &c, &c). If they still refuse, ask them "Why do you think I don't need this?" and keep an open mind. They are a professional and their opinion should be respected. If you are still adamant, there is no shame in seeking a second opinion at another doctor office.
Anonymous
September 20th, 2018 10:57pm
Remember that Doctors are just people with excellent educations. They have good days and bad days, are overworked, have troubles at home, etc. So, when i want to be sure that I tell the Doc Everything that is on my mind, i often write it down; either in a list, or a letter, and i make a separate page for their answers, so i don't have to wonder later what they said. There is typically a lot of stress in the Doctor's office, so much going on, so many questions, that I often forget something if i don't have written notes. Also, you can be sure that you brought this to your Doctor's attention (make them a copy of your list or letter for their file~!), and that you understood their reply.
Adaptiveperspectives
June 10th, 2017 12:10am
Be truthful. And realistic. Many don't release that doctors have a heavy weight over their head that can drop heavily on them, and if they actually care on you. You also need to know yourself and best describe symptoms, what you've tried and if the door is cracked what you think might work. But that last part is most of what weighs heavily on a doctor. They might be apprehensive depending on what you ask for.
imsandeep
July 15th, 2016 3:44pm
initially know yourself what you really need from a doctor and don't hide anything from the doctor.follow his advice
Owen27
July 15th, 2016 10:25pm
Whenever I used to enter my doctors surgery my mind used to go blank and I'd come out remembering all those problems I'd forgotten about which still hadn't been resolved. Perhaps something so simple as writing a list to go into the doctors room with can help you achieve communicating successfully with your doctor. Being honest and open also helps massively, remember that doctors are human too and that they're there to help you, you're not an inconvenience to them.
blissart
January 8th, 2020 8:59am
to get what u need from your doctor , you need to be very clear about your requirements and be able to communicate clearly. you need to be updated about your condition and its always better to get an idea about it from some sources and understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, side effects and discuss with your doctor. A doctor is a professional and trained to study and diagnose the disease , for how you are feeling about it and concerned about few things linked to it, you need to communicate effectively with him. And it helps to be aware of factors like time required for healing, money, insurance,procedures etc
MaidenlySmile
November 23rd, 2018 3:51pm
Be clear in symphoms. Even he ask you some of them, and yet you dont feel having them, dont say yes only because you think it will be that. He is asking particulary questions to make some differences. No matter what your age, gender, or position, you are the weaker sex in the doctor's office. The whole operation reeks of inequity. You're naked under a paper sheet, he's dressed. You call him "doctor," he calls you by your first name. You speak English, he wields a technical vocabulary that's impenetrable to all but those of his own tribe. You have the power to take your business elsewhere, he has power over sickness and health. We want to trust our doctors and believe they are superb at what they do. The alternative is too unnerving to consider. Yet the thriving medical malpractice industry proves that our doctors don't always deserve our devotion. Sometimes they disappoint us, endanger us, treat us like children, and ignore our input. Or do they? Maybe the problem is with us. Maybe we just don't know how to talk to them. Whoever is to blame for the miscommunication, both sides pay dearly in health and money: 70 percent of all medical malpractice suits are filed not because of technical negligence but because the patient misunderstood the doctor. First, consider your doctor's mission: to heal you. If he can do it, he is a success. If he cannot, he thinks he is a failure—and doctors hate to fail. You may feel powerless in his presence, but in fact his self-esteem depends on you. Will you heed his advice or ignore it? Will you refuse his treatment? Lie to him about your symptoms? Snub him for another doctor? Occasionally, even if you follow the doctor's instructions, you won't get well. His skills will fail you. This is a doctor's greatest fear and a source of constant anxiety.
Anonymous
October 7th, 2016 7:25pm
By being open and honest with your doctor and unafraid to get a second opinion if that is what it takes.
Robinzoo
May 5th, 2018 3:25pm
The best way is to explain your situation for them, what you expected from them. If it would be resonable and legit, i'm sure they will help you with what you need.
Mia1602
July 26th, 2018 9:28pm
A doctor is a professional but what you have to understand is everybody is different, this person will work with many people a day. To get what you need from a doctor you must be 100% honest and give as much detail as you can as to why you are have come to them seeking help so they can get you to the right place and treatement you need.
Anonymous
August 7th, 2016 4:32am
Try to have an open conversation with your doctor. Sometimes doctors will even be open to suggestions you have about your care. In my experience, it is best to only bring one issue to a doctor at a time, though. This will be considered the chief complaint and the doctor will focus on that at your visit. Communication is the most important part of the doctor/patient relationship. So tell your doctor everything and be open to listening.
NumberEleven
July 14th, 2016 4:29pm
By telling your doctor exactly what you're going through, in terms of physical symptoms as well as mental symptoms.
HopieRemi
July 16th, 2016 7:25pm
You can let your doctor know what you need. Tell your doctor everything that is going on so your doctor can best support you.
uniqueMango45
July 20th, 2016 2:32am
Talk to them up front and if you have any particular questions or suggestions, then be honest. Omitting important stuff is just as damning as the problem itself.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2016 6:00pm
I think a good way to get what you need is to ask. Sometimes it can be hard to ask questions, especially if they're personal, but your doctor is there to help you and make sure that all of your health care needs are met.
Anonymous
July 23rd, 2016 7:57am
Open up to your doctor and tell them how you are feeling. Honesty will allow them to determine and help you get the help you need.
Naturallyhappy00
July 15th, 2016 2:40am
Sit down and be honest with your doctor about everything going on with you and tell them that you're in need of something and they should help you get it or recommended you to do something
neonstars1881
July 13th, 2016 6:58pm
be honest. explain the situation and listen to what he or she has to say. he isnt just there to give you drugs, he wants to help you too.
insidesunshine
October 3rd, 2018 6:04pm
Go to your doctor with your concerns in mind and ask specific questions that you have. Tell them your experience with whatever you are dealing with. After they tell you what they believe you need, ask them questions still! Ask how long it will take, what should I expect, when should I come see you again, how to know if it's getting better. Do not be scared and withhold concerns you have, because your doctor is there to help you get rid of those concerns. After your visit, you should feel completely confident in what you were told, so before you leave make sure you have that feeling.
mangomovement79
August 7th, 2018 6:39am
I make sure I have specific questions and concerns written down before an appointment to ensure that I have my issues addressed. I also make sure the doctor hears my own personal descriptions to avoid general or unspecific solutions.
Solas
October 26th, 2018 2:13am
The way to get what you need from your doctor if first to extablish what it is that you need. We also need to take into accound that what we need is not always what will be given. I would be prepared for the visit, before going maybe write down what you want him/her to know and what your expectatins are. Keep in mind, what the doctor feels you need and what you feel you need may be fully the same. Having a doctor who will communcate well with you is key, ask for as much information as you can and make sure you understand it.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2022 8:27am
The way to get anything from anyone is through communication. Communication is the key and important component to being heard and understood. So I would suggest or recommend that the only way you can get what you need from your doctor is through talking and expressing yourself. Because expressing and talking might or will really allow the doctor to see your perspective and understand your situation or condition. Also talking about your condition and how you feel is extremely important as it will direct the doctor to an outcome or conclusion. So communicating with the doctor in a healthy way is very important for them to understand you.
Anonymous
October 10th, 2018 2:42pm
That depends largely upon what you think you need. Studies show that, on average, you have about eight seconds to tell your doctor what you're experiencing before they start in on you. On good way to make sure you say everything you need to say and stay on target is to make a list of things you want to cover before you go in, then immediately let your doctor know you have a list and you want to make sure you get through everything. This holds them to a predetermined course of action that you control.
ConallBranagin
December 20th, 2018 4:00am
Be honest, ask questions and if you feel stage fright at the idea of talking to a doctor, write it down. Writing down your question can help avoid many akward situations. Doctors can't read your mind. Remember that they are human as well and while they want to help, they can't if you are not willing to self advocate. Self advocating is when you admit you need something, that may be by asking a question, it may mean you do something different actively to result in an alternate reply or reaction. Just keep it straight forward ask and know even if the problem is embarrassing or not something you ever thought or wanted to say, doctors have usuallly already hearsd it, seen it or talked about it. Take a breath annd try it.
Anonymous
September 12th, 2018 11:59pm
first, tell them what you feel. symptoms, both physical and mental. then explain what you've already tried to do to fix it -- if anything. tell them what you hope to get out of whatever it is that you want from them and why you think it's just what you need. don't be afraid to try what they suggest, though, if they don't give you what you want. they are experts, after all. but hopefully you can get what you need with a little explanation as to why you need it. most doctors are understanding. best of luck! !
Anonymous
September 27th, 2018 5:01pm
You can get what you need from your doctor by being an “informed patient.” An informed patient is someone who has done all the research possible about their condition before walking into the doctors office. Add to that, come in with your notes and questions prepared in advance. This makes you more in control of your options as well as knowledgeable about them. In medicine their isn’t always one right course of action to do things. In this way, you and your doctor can determine what medically is best for you. Also come a bit in advance so you can calm your nerves in the doctors office as you go over your notes and questions. It is also best to phone in advance to check if the doctors appointments are on time.